Episode 161: Return to the Dark Path
The night had fully descended, cloaking the world in darkness.
Three shadowy figures moved swiftly through a narrow alleyway, their urgency palpable in their hurried breaths and movements.
Turning a dark corner, they quickly scaled a wall, their familiarity with the terrain evident in their confident actions.
As expected, a pile of carts lay beneath the wall, providing a temporary refuge for the masked figures to catch their breath.
One of them, with a serious expression, broke the silence.
“Brother, what do we do now?”
“First, we need to get out of here.”
The one addressed as ‘Brother’ narrowed his eyes, scanning their surroundings, his mind racing.
‘Was it Sabikang…?’
He was certain Sabikang had seen them—or at least sensed them.
According to their original plan, they were supposed to intervene when the cadets clashed with the Sword Guard, assassinating the cadets amidst the chaos.
They had done this countless times before, taking out even the most skilled masters without a hitch.
The plan was to kill just a few cadets, enough to instill fear and chaos among the rest.
Two, maybe three at most.
Yet, they hadn’t managed to kill a single one.
In fact, they hadn’t even had the chance to act.
‘What on earth were those swarming things…?’
Even now, he couldn’t comprehend it.
They had been waiting for the right moment, hidden behind the stage, when a cadet approached, doing something strange.
Just as they wondered if he was about to relieve himself, a swarm of black bees erupted.
And then…
‘It was over.’
There was no fight, no struggle. It ended in an instant, almost absurdly so.
Even the old man who had stood his ground fell without lifting a hand against the cadet, likely succumbing to poison.
After losing the cadets in such a ridiculous manner, they had tried to make their escape.
But then…
‘That murderous intent…’
Even recalling it sent shivers down his spine.
The moment the cadets entered the stage, a sudden wave of killing intent had washed over them.
It came from where Sabikang stood.
Peeking out, he had nearly frozen in place.
‘Those weren’t human eyes.’
Sabikang’s eyes were locked onto him, as if he knew exactly where he was, despite his careful concealment.
The killing intent rained down like arrows, paralyzing him with fear.
He felt as if a blade surrounded him, ready to strike at the slightest movement.
How long had he stood there, frozen?
When the cadets were finally thrown out of the stage, the killing intent ceased.
The masked man knew it was his only chance to escape.
Abandoning their mission, they fled, feeling the distinct difference in Sabikang’s killing intent.
To act would mean death.
They had barely reached the outskirts of the outer wall, with just one more barrier to cross.
Rushing could lead to being discovered by the martial artists of the righteous sect, a troublesome prospect.
Confirming the coast was clear, the masked man sprinted forward, followed closely by his companions.
But as they rounded the corner,
“Whoa!”
The lead masked man halted abruptly.
“Well, where are you rushing off to?”
“You…!”
“Hmm. Seems you know me. Have we met before?”
The masked man’s eyes twisted in disbelief.
Why was Sabikang here…?
Incredibly, it was Sabikang who stood blocking their path.
They had moved discreetly through the complex outer grounds, aware of prying eyes, yet he had caught up so quickly.
Step by step, Sabikang approached with a smirk, causing the masked men to retreat.
“Attempting to assassinate our inspection team, are we?”
“What are you talking about?”
“You know exactly what I mean.”
“I don’t.”
“Feigning ignorance, are we? I clearly felt your killing intent.”
“Step aside. We have no business with you.”
“Perhaps not, but now I have business with you.”
“What…?”
“Is that mask to hide your shame?”
“You…!”
In a flash, the masked man lunged at Sabikang.
The other two followed, throwing their hidden weapons as they charged.
Swish!
Thud!
In the next moment, the masked men’s eyes widened.
‘Gone…?’
They didn’t understand how, but it didn’t matter.
Their goal wasn’t to defeat him, but to escape safely.
The ambush was merely a means to create an opening.
But then…
“Ah!”
Slash!
The lead masked man skidded to a halt.
The two following him crashed into him, unable to stop in time.
Thud!
“Ugh!”
The three masked men staggered, barely regaining their balance, eyes wide with shock.
Sabikang stood before them.
‘A ghost…?’
Hadn’t he been behind them just moments ago?
Yet here he was, having moved so quickly.
They had no knowledge of blink magic, so it seemed as if they were haunted by a ghost.
“Get lost!”
In unison, the three masked men drew their weapons and hurled them.
Swish! Swish! Swish!
Clang!
A flash of light deflected all the weapons with a loud clatter.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
The weapons ricocheted, grazing the masked men’s skin.
Sabikang, holding his sword, glared at them with cold eyes.
“You started this. Now, let the lesson begin.”
Flash!
In an instant, Sabikang vanished once more.
**
‘Damn it!’
Jeon Tae-soo bit his lip, striding purposefully.
He had hired the assassins himself.
Yet they had vanished without accomplishing anything.
He had set out to confront them, to demand answers.
But then…
‘Of all times!’
Sabikang had appeared.
The moment he saw Sabikang intercept the assassins, Jeon Tae-soo turned on his heel.
‘If they fall into Sabikang’s hands…’
Things would get complicated.
If the assassins revealed who hired them, it would be disastrous.
Perhaps he should don a mask himself and ensure their escape.
But he lacked the confidence.
Rumors about Sabikang were rampant.
Some said he was a master of unparalleled skill, others claimed he was a mere novice.
But caution was never a bad thing.
If he acted rashly and was caught, his identity exposed, it would be the end.
‘All I can do is hope they escape safely…’
Jeon Tae-soo ground his teeth in frustration.
Fools!
The night was filled with rising anger.
**
“Ugh…”
Deung Wang-pae slowly opened his eyes.
The ceiling of his chamber came into view.
‘A dream…’
He couldn’t recall the details, but it hadn’t been pleasant.
His body felt stiff, likely from a restless night.
After hearing that the mighty warrior had fallen to a mere cadet, sleep had eluded him.
Worried that the cadets might pass the inspection after all.
Sitting up, he stretched, then walked to the window and opened it.
Chirp, chirp.
The fresh morning sunlight streamed in, accompanied by cheerful birdsong, as if to dispel his worries.
A smile crept onto his face.
‘Worrying so much… Am I getting old?’
In truth, there was nothing to worry about.
The assassins Jeon Tae-soo hired were seasoned veterans of the martial world.
Surely they could handle a few cadets.
And if not, the Sword Guard would suffice.
If even that failed, what of it?
The one overseeing the inspection was none other than Im Dang-ryeong, the master of Songha Gate.
His guards were top-tier warriors.
Surely they wouldn’t struggle against mere cadets.
Yes, everything was perfect.
Today was a day to enjoy.
Taking a deep breath, he filled his lungs with the crisp morning air.
‘Good, with this pleasant feeling.’
Deung Wang-pae smiled lightly and turned away.
Just then, a servant entered the room.
“Master, an emergency meeting has been called at the main hall.”
“Hmm. What’s it about?”
“There are several items on the agenda, including the results of the inspection.”
“Oh, I see.”
Deung Wang-pae’s smile widened.
The mention of ‘several items’ suggested the cadets’ disqualification and the formation of a new inspection team.
Otherwise, it would simply be an announcement of results.
“Hahaha!”
Laughing heartily, Deung Wang-pae donned his robe.
The servant, assisting him, cautiously spoke up.
“Um… Aren’t you curious about the inspection results?”
“Isn’t it obvious? If you’re trying to cheer me up, then fine. I’m in a great mood right now.”
“That’s not it…”
“Then what?”
“Well… Song Ha-munju Im Dang-ryang has admitted defeat, and the cadets have subdued him.”
Suddenly, everything stopped.
Deung Wang-pae turned around, stiff as a board.
“What did you just say?”
“The Inspection Corps has successfully apprehended the Tongmun Pavilion Master…”
“What do you mean? How could the Inspection Corps have succeeded?”
“I only heard about it this morning, so I don’t know the details…”
The attendant trembled as he delivered the news.
Deung Wang-pae pressed his temples and dismissed the attendant. Just then, the door burst open, and a man rushed in.
Turning his head, he saw Jeon Tae-soo, panting heavily.
Deung Wang-pae’s expression twisted into a fierce scowl.
“What is it?”
“It’s a disaster. It seems everything’s gone wrong.”
“What do you mean?”
“The assassins we hired have all been captured by Sabi-gang.”
“What?”
Deung Wang-pae’s face was a mask of uncontrollable rage.
“I’m… I’m sorry!”
“Damn it…!”
Deung Wang-pae raised his hand, trembling with fury. He wanted nothing more than to smash Jeon Tae-soo’s head in.
With immense restraint, he asked, “So, where are they now?”
“They’ve been taken to the League Headquarters.”
“What if they come here? If it’s discovered you’re involved, it’ll only raise more suspicion!”
“I thought it urgent to inform you! But don’t worry. They’re not the type to talk.”
“Enough! Get out of here! I’ll head to the League Headquarters myself soon!”
“Yes, sir!”
Jeon Tae-soo, pale as a ghost, bowed deeply and left the room.
Deung Wang-pae bit his lip until it bled.
“Sabi-gang… Sabi-gang… Sabi-gang…!”